For your Critical Book Review you may choose any NON-FICTION book that fits our subject criteria and time frame. I STRONGLY SUGGEST that you select a book that will assist you in writing your research paper. I suggest that you skim through the textbook to see what topics are of particular interest to you to get ideas for a book you would like to review. You might want to look at the Bibliographies and Weblinks that appear after each chapter in your text or the bibliographies; the H-AmIndian site, ACC online databases such as American Indian Histories and Cultures and the Bibliography of Native North Americans which can be found online in the ACC databases. If you have a question about any of the books or have a particular interest that is not adequately addressed in the text, please consult with me. Whatever book you choose you MUST bring it to me for approval on or before FEBRUARY 11. You will also send in a copy of your paper named "your name" to SafeAssign via Blackboard. Reviews of books that were not approved WILL NOT BE GRADED. A PRINTED COPY of your Book Review is due on MARCH 10. A LETTER GRADE WILL BE DEDUCTED FOR EACH CLASS DAY THAT THE REVIEW IS TURNED IN LATE. Your review should be double spaced, typed, 1000-1200 words in length. Your review should:
1. If possible, and pertinent, include a brief biographical account of the author. What is his/her background and professional training? How might this affect the author/s viewpoint? When was the book written? How might this affect the author's treatment of the subject? I suggest that you first consult Biography in Context and the Gale Literary Databases which can be online found in the ACC Electronic Databases. You might also look at these print sources: American Women Historians and The Encyclopedia of Historians and Historical Writing. For help in identifying factors from the time the book book was written, try the database American History Online. Use the "Timelines" link on the opening page. If you still need help, consult a librarian.
2. BRIEFLY summarize the author's main arguments. DO NOT describe point by point what the author said. You are to identify and EVALUATE the author's thesis (theses) thesis. What does he/she want to prove? Is he/she convincing? Why or why not? How does the author organize and convey the material? Does the author agree or disagree with your text or class lectures? You will need to quote relevant passages from the book to show how the author substantiates or fails to substantiate his/her thesis. Make sure to PROVIDE PAGE NUMBERS WHEN YOU QUOTE. Does the author agree or disagree with your text or what has been said in class? What changes would make this a better work? What types of sources were used? Is this book readable and well-written? What is your overall reaction to the book and the subject covered? Make sure to SUPPORT YOUR ARGUMENTS.
3. Proofread your review to eliminate errors of spelling, grammar, construction, typing, etc... This WILL affect your grade. Make sure that your review has a coherent theme and is sensibly organized. Consider visiting the free tutors in the Learning Labs or using the free online tutors at Smarthinking (in the Tools menu on Blackboard). Make sure that you GIVE CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE. Use quotation marks and give page numbers to identify quotes and the ideas of others.
